Juneteenth 2018, a Freedom Celebration to Be Presented in Richmond, Virginia
Juneteenth 2018, A Freedom Celebration To Be Presented in Richmond, Virginia
Elegba Folklore Society presents Juneteenth 2018, A Freedom Celebration in Rich- mond, Virginia, June 15 - 17. The theme, 399… On the Eve of Great Substance, in- vites a consideration of the power of prophecy and preparation.
This three-part event features The Symposium on Friday, June 15 at Pine Camp Arts Center, 4901 Old Brook Road, 23227. Doors open at 6:30p. Advance tickets are $12 for one and $22 for two, general admission. At the door, general admission tickets are $13 for one and $24 for two, general admission. Tickets for students, 12 -18, are $5 and children under 12 are admitted free of charge in advance and at the door.
On Saturday, June 16, Independence Day Our Way happens beginning at 3:00p at the Manchester Dock and along the Trail of Enslaved Africans. Admission is free.
Homage to the Ancestors concludes the Juneteenth observance on Sunday, June 17 at the African Burial Ground at 3:00p. Admission is free.
Professor Kaba Hiawatha Kamene aka Booker T. Coleman, a staple Hidden Colors scholar and documentarian, cultural education consultant and curriculum writer, will keynote The Symposium. Elegba Folklore Society’s performers will also appear, and The Freedom Market will be open all night. —more— JUNETEENTH/222
A consultant to academics and academic institutions, Professor Kamene is an interna- tional studies and world history specialist. He is firmly dedicated to the belief that cul- ture plays a vitally important role in education and proudly credits many of his aca- demic views to his master teacher, Dr. John Henrik Clarke. He developed and directs the African-centered science academy, Per Ankh, or Temple of Life.
Elegba Folklore Society’s performers will appear, and attendees can shop for unusual finds in The Freedom Market.
The next day, Juneteenth 2018, A Freedom Celebration moves to the Manchester Dock, 1308 Brander Street, 23224, for Independence Day Our Way. Families are in- vited to an independence day celebration like no other. Enjoy music curated by the party master and D.J., Danja Mowf, spiced with history and social justice commentar- ies. Celebrity comedian and community builder, Micah “Bam-Bamm” White will be the day’s host, and Professor Kamene will lead the featured, Get Woke Youth Summit on cultural education for ages 10 - 20. There will also be heritage crafts for the children, jump rope and hula hoop contests, African dance and drum workshops for all plus shopping in The Freedom Market. Attendees can also see and add to the Freedom and Independence Community Textile created, in collaboration with the Virginia Mu- seum of Fine Arts, at its African American Family Day held earlier in the day. Eleg- ba Folklore Society’s performers provide important cultural context for examining slavery in America, and the event culminates with the Annual Torch Lit Night Walk on the Trail of Enslaved Africans.
On Sunday, West African spirit rituals and ceremony refresh and invite an open- ness to say “thank you.” Lead by Virginia Ile O.I.D.S.I., it’s Homage to the An- cestors at the African Burial Ground, 16th and Broad Streets, in ceremony, drumming and song. Attendees may bring an offering for the altar. White or African attire is requested.
Juneteenth 2018, A Freedom Celebration is a family event. It commemorates the Juneteenth holiday known as Juneteenth National Freedom Day by remembering the impact of the trade of enslaved Africans in Virginia, during the 246 years between 1619 and 1865 — and now the 399 years from 1619 to 2018 — and its legacy. A con- structive way to pay homage to enslaved Africans upon whose backbone Virginia was sustained, from the twelfth year following the English settlement, Juneteenth 2018, A —more— JUNETEENTH/333
Freedom Celebration re-examines the legacy of their contribution and their forfeiture. It provides a cultural framework for building bridges of understanding.
Omilade Janine Bell, President and Artistic Director of the Elegba Folklore Society, ap- preciates the cultural enrichment Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration gives. She says, “This event is about acknowledgment. Africans who were brought to Richmond to live out their lives in bondage here and in other states have not been properly acknowl- edged. In one example, the multi-billion dollar, multi-national tobacco industry was built on their backs neither to their own benefit or the benefit of their descendants. Now Africa’s children with the children of European enslavers can reveal hidden his- tory. An enhanced level of understanding can bring needed clarity to our lives today.”
Attendees may come as they are, and African attire is encouraged. Comfortable shoes and a bottle of water for the Walk are suggested. Free parking is available at the Man- chester Dock. Shuttle buses will be available for attendees after the Walk and so that elders and those with disabilities can participate fully in the entire experience.
For tickets or more information visit www.efsinc.org, visit Elegba Folklore Society’s Cul- tural Center, 101 E. Broad Street in the downtown RVA Arts District or contact the E- legba Folklore Society at 804/644-3900 or at [email protected].
Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration was one of the international signature events of the United Nations’ International Year for People of African Descent. An excerpt of the declaration says, “The international community has affirmed that the transatlantic slave trade was an appalling tragedy not only because of its barbarism but also because of its magnitude, organized nature and negation of the essential humanity of the vic- tims.... Even today, Africans and people of African descent continue to suffer the con- sequences of these acts and should be fully integrated into social, economic and politi- cal life and at all levels of decision-making.” More at: www.un.org.
The City of Richmond and Dominion Energy along with Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities and James River Park System sponsor Juneteenth 2018, A Freedom Celebration. The Arts & Cultural Funding Consortium provides par- tial support. Special thanks to R.I.S.E. UP RVA.
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